tm 




THE GREY 



VS. 



THE BLUE. 





4^ 





Henry Farrow & Co., Printers, Mobile. 




THE RIVALS; 



-OR- 



THE GREY «■. THE BLUE 



% Cragebir. 



WRITTEN BY A MEMBER OF THE GREENE COUNTY BENEVOLENT 
AND MONUMENTAL FUND ASSOCIATION. 






COPYRIGHT SECURED. 






MOBILE: 
Henry Farrow & Co., Printers, 30 North Water St. 

1871 



7 






v *.4& 



.1^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, Septem- 
ber 22d, by George H. Cole, in the office of the Librarian of 
Congress at Washington. 



Tf , P 92-0 08898 



WRITTEN FOR THE 



tfjnme ^orniig jhenecolent and fljonumental jfund Issochiftm, 



AND MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO 



MISSES JENNIE PIERCE AND RHODA Y. MERRIWETHER, 



AS REPRESENTATIVE TYPES OF 



TRUE SOUTHERN WOMANHOOD. 



THE AUTHOR. 



COSTUMES 



STUART. — Confederate General uniform; high top boots. 

SWEENEY.— Confederate uniform. 

SHADBURN. — Confederate uniform with chevrons. 

HAWK and JACK. — Confederate uniform, rough. 

GIBBON.— Federal Lieutenant uniform. 

HINES. — Federal uniform, with an old citizen suit over it; long 

overcoat and high hat. 
FEDERAL SOLDIERS.— Federal uniform; guns, canteens and 

haversacks. 
MR. BERTRAM.— As old gentleman ; black cloth. 
MISS BLANCHE.— Dark plain dress; white collar and cuffs. 
MISS MAGGIE. — Dark calico dress ; white apron, collar and cuffs. 



THE RIVALS; 

— OR — 

The Grey vs. The Blue. 



CHARACTERS: 

GEN. J. E. B. STUART. 

JOE SWEENEY. 

SERGEANT GEORGE SHADBURN. 

JAMES BOND alias NIGHT HAWK. 

BOB HARRISON alias SLEEPY JACK. 

LIEUT. JOHN H. GIBBON, U. S. Army, and Orderly. 

SAM HINES, U. S. Spy. 

REV. ROBERT BERTRAM. 

MISS BLANCHE BERTRAM. 

MISS MAGGIE SOPHIA SUSANNA SHORT. 

Also, four men, as Federal Soldiers. 



SCENE I. 

A roo m— Stuart's headquarters. Papers, sabres, pistols and haver- 
sacks lying around. Stuart sitting at table. Sweeney sitting 
to one side with banjo, singing " If you want to have a good time, 
jine the cavalry." &c. Re stops singing, when Shadburn enters. 

[Enter Shad, from left m. door. Advances to front of Stuart 
and salutes.'] 

Shad. General, I am here in obedience to your orders. 

Stuart. Good, I am glad to see you Sergeant, look- 
ing so .well. I think I can see, Sergeant, from the 
flash of your eye that you are one of the do and dare 
sort, and ready for any adventure, however dangerous 
it may be, that would be beneficial to our cause. Be 
seated, Sergeant. 

Shad, [Sitting down.] I have the good of my bleed- 
ing country wholly at heart, General, and shall ever 
endeavor to discharge my duty, whatever it may be, 
as becomes one who is proud to wear the "Grey." 



THE RIVALS; OR, 



Stuart. Well spoken, sir. I have all confidence in 
your ability and willingness to perform the duty to 
which I am about to assign you. I am much in need 
of an efficient scout to keep me informed of the move- 
ments of Gen. Grant, and feeling that I can rely on 
your prudence and skill, I hereby commission you for 
that duty. You may select such of your comrades 
from the " Jeff. Davis Legion" as you may wish to aid 
you in the discharge of the arduous task to which you 
are assigned. [ Writing an order.] Who will you have, 
Sergeant, that I may include thein in this order? 

Shad. General, I would like Bob Harrison, or Sleepy 
Jack, as he is called, of Company C. I have seen him 
tried, and know him to be as true as steel. 

Stuart. Why do they call him Sleepy Jack '? 

Shad. It is only a nick-name given him by his com- 
rades, because he is so hard to wake: but he can stand 
more hard marching than any man I ever saw. 

Stuart. You shall have him, sir; who else do you 
wish? 

Shad. James Bond, known better in the "Jeff"." un- 
der the sobriquet of Night Hawk, for being ever wide- 
awake, and seeing and knowing more that transpires at 
night than the camp guard. He is a good one, Gen- 
eral, and can be relied on in any emergency. 

Stuart. I have included him. Any one else f 

Shad. No, General, they are sufficient for the present. 

Stuart. Why, only two? 

Shad. And I make three. 

Stuart. A spike team, upon my word. 

Shad. If you will pardon the expression, General, 
I can assure you that Hawk and Jack are, in them- 
selves, a ivhole six mule team, and you will find it out 
ere long. 

Stuart. You know them best, Sergeant, and I am 
willing to trust to your judgment. You will enter the 
enemy's lines, gain all the information you can, as to 
their movements, numbers, &c, that may be important, 
and report promptly to me in person or by one of your 
trusted men. Grant's pickets are near Howard's Church, 
where I wish you to go at once, and see what move- 
ment is contemplated in that direction. [Shadbukn 
rises.] I would caution you, Sergeant, about spending 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 



too much time with the beautiful Blanche; you know 
Parson Bertram lives near Howard's. 
Shad. I will be on my guard, General. 

Stuart. — [Handing papers to Shad.] Here is your 
commission. Hand this to Col. W., who will make the 
detail. You can go, sir. Report promptly. [Shad sa- 
lutes and turns to go.] Hold, Shadburn; I like to have 
forgotten to give you the most important instructions : 
You have heard of the Yankee spy, of many names, 
but known to us under the name of Sam. Hines. 

Shad. I have heard of him often, General, and have 
been close to him more than once. 

Stuart. Well, sir; I want him captured. He is a 
deserter from our army, and is very familiar, I learn, 
with this section of the country ; and is said to act his 
part so well that he has been to these headquarters. 
Under our laws, his life is already forfeited, and if you 
should be so fortunate as to get hold of him, and there 
is the least probability of his escape— don't Jet him es- 
cape. l)o you understand, Sergeant ? 

Shad. I do, General, and it shall be so. I hope to 
be able to report his disappearance. He has done us 
much harm, but I will put Night Hawk on the alert, 
and think we will " bag the game. 7 ' 

Stuart. I trust you may. My regards to Miss Ber- 
tram if you see her. You can go, sir. 

[Exit Shad, saluting, through left m. d.] 

I tell you, Joe, that fellow Shadburn is made of the 
right metal. Woe to the foe that crosses his path. 
I would as soon arouse a Bengal tiger. Although he 
looks so mild and gentle, there is a lire burning deep 
in his eye, that tells who and what he is. I expect a 
good report from him. Let's walk down to Farley's. 
[Rises and moves to left. Curtain falls.'] 



SCENE II. 

A rendezvous by a small fire. Shad and Night Hawk standing 
in conversation. Sleepy Jack to one side, asleep. All armed 
and equipped as scouts. 

Shad. Well, Hawk, could anything have been bet- 
ter? Old " Jeb" just played into my hand that time, 



THE IlIVALS: on 



as the boys say, besides giving' me full power as a 
scout, and allowing ine to detail my own assistants, or- 
dered me to go at once to Howard's Church ; but cau- 
tioned me about spending too much time at Parson 
Bertram's, with the beautiful Blanche, as he called her. 
Ha! ha! ha! He didn't know who he was talking to, 
did he, Hawk"? Stuart knows all the pretty girls. He 
saw her the time we went on the scout to Dumfries, 
and captured so many sutler wagons, and among them 
the one containing old Burnside's Christmas dinner, 
with all of his wines, liquors, cigars, &c, gotten up in 
grand style, and sent to the commanding General as 
Christmas presents. 

Night Hawk. But didn't Ave make 'em hop, Shad '? 
I remember how wofully those Dutch sutlers looked 
when standing alone in the snow by the road side, 
when we took their wagons. 

Shad. Yes, it was amusing to see the great agony 
into which they Avere thrown by the loss of their 
goods. 

Night HawJc. We made a good haul then, and soon 
after made another with Gen. Hampton in command. 

Shad. Yes, that was the time it was so miserably 
cold, and I stopped to see Blanche — and havn't seen 
her since. It seems an age. 

Night Hatvk. You are mighty right, it does, Shad. I 
know you are eager to get across the river, that you 
may be getting closer to your sweetheart. It was 
my good fortune to see her once, and I will never for- 
get it, Shad — no, never. I tell you she made a lasting 
impression on me. She evidently knows how to touch 
a soldier's sympathies, and how to gain a place in his 
memory. 

Shad. Tell me, Hawk, how Blanche made such an 
impression on you? But I am not surprised, as she 
made an impresion on me that will last for life. 

Night Hawk. Well, I tell you, Shad, how she made 
an impression on mc : She gave me a good breakfast, 
filled my haversack, and gave me a canteen of fresh 
buttermilk, and I went on my way rejoicing. 

Shad. Well, that is soldier-like, Hawk. The " dough 
boys" say that the cavalry get all the buttermilk in 
the country, and can hear a churn dasher a mile; but 



THE GUEY VS. THE BLUE. 



it is much better when put into a fellow's canteen by 
a pretty girl like Blanche. 

Night Hawk. Now, aintyou mighty right chile/? lean 
see her now. I could die for her, Shad. By the way, 
I heard that that blue coated Lieutenant was mighty 
thick at the Parson's. Did you, old fell 

Shad. [ Walks excitedly.] Thunder and lightning! 
Where in the name of Lee's army can Sleepy Jack be? 
He is a brick when he is awake, but he is dead when 
asleep. We must be going. I am all anxiety to see 
Blanche, and know from her the truth. My mind has 
been much disturbed of late by visions of that hand- 
some Yankee Lieutenant, with his smooth and oily 
words, fawning around my own dear Blanche. If left 
to herself, I would never have any fear, but the pecu- 
liar circumstances by which she is surrounded — being 
»s she is, inside their lines and in their power, makes 
me apprehensive of danger: as I believe Gibbon to be 
an arrant knave and a villain, and none too good to 
adopt any measure to carry his purpose. But [solilo- 
quising], let me tell you, Lieutenant John H. Gibbon, 
if you undertake to thwart me — to come between me 
and the dearest creature on earth, this world will be 
too small to hold us both. Beware! Gibbon, beware ! 
I'll hunt you down, though you go to the uttermost 
part of the earth. Yea, Grant's mighty host will be 
no protection for you ! Night Hawk, call Sleepy Jack, 
that we may be off. 

[Night Hawk goes to left and calls Jack, who an- 
swers outside, and when awake enters from left, 
rubbing his eyes. 

Night Hawk. Oh, Jack! Jack! Say, Jack! wake up! 
Wake up! we are ready to go. Say; get up and come 
ahead. 

Sleepy Jack. [Without.] Oh! Mi! Me! I think you 
might let a fellow take a little nap. 

Shad, Well, here you are at last ! Behind, as usual. 

Sleepy Jack. No, I reckon I'm before now. 

Shad. I mean you are behind hand. 

Sleepy Jack. No I aint; I'm behind Hawk. 

Shad, Y r ou are stupid. I mean you have kept us 
waiting ever so long for you. 



10 THE RIVALS; OR, 



Sleepy Jack. Well, look here, Shad; you needn't be 
so tarnation crusty about it. I reckon if you had been 
on picket five weeks last month, stood guard and pick- 
et ten days last week, you'd be somewhat behind on 
sleep, too. 

Night Hawk. Ten days in a week ! Hurrah for Jack ! 
> Sleepy Jack, You needn't be hurrahing. I tell you 
the next time I go to war, I am going to be a Quarter- 
master or a Doctor, then, I bet I can eat, sleep and 
drink as much as I want to. You heard me, Liza Jane. 

[Kneels to fix his blanket.] 

Shad. Hurry up Jack, and get your traps on. We 
must get across the river and work our way to How- 
ard's Church to-night. 

Sleepy Jack. [Jumping up and dancing around.] How- 
ard's Church, did you say, Shad f Why, there is where 
Mr. Bertram lives, and Mag's there. Shad, do you 
know her J ? 

Shad. Yes ; but come ahead, if you want to see Mag. 
[Sleepy Jack gets his haversack, and is ready to go.] 

Sleepy Jack, Well, she is a trump card. Shad; and 
I am ready to march to see "Maggie by my side." 

Shad. Well, we must be going, [Looks at watch.] 
It is now near two o'clock. We will cross at the blind 
path above the United States ford. Forward! I am 
impatient. 

[Curtain falls.] 



SCENE III. 

A room in Mr. Bertram's house. Miss Blanche sitting at a 
table with candle. Mr. Bertram near with a book. 

Blanche. Oh ! Father, it is too bad to be shut out 
from the world, as we are; and then, to think that the 
Federals are going to advance, and may encompass us 
about in such a way that even Sergeant Shadburn 
will be unable to reach us; and then, indeed, we will 
be isolated. I know there is going to be an advance, 
for Lieutenant Gibbon told me so only yesterday, and 
their pickets advanced to-day, Oh, father! I am feel- 
ing so badly. 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 11 



Mr. Bertram. You must cheer up, my darling, and 
always look on the bright side of things, as Sergeant 
Shadburn tells you. He has a perilous time, but is 
ever cheerful. It is a perfect treat to look at his bright 
and beaming countenance. I think he will try and 
reach us agaiu. 

Blanche. I do hope he may come. I know it would 
be important information for General Stuart to know 
of this advance. 

Mr. Bertram. Yes, it would, and as the Sergeant is 
always on the alert, we may expect him. He has been 
very kind to us in bringing our letters, for through 
them we occasionally hear from our friends, [enter Mag 
from r. m. d.] and as we still have the necessaries of 
life, we should not murmer, as many have them 
not. 

Mag. And gracious knows how long we will have 
the necessaries of life, with the woods filled with those 
stinking Yankees. I tell you all, they will be up to 
some mischief sooner than you think. They are natu- 
rally mean, and must steal or rob to be up with the 
times. 

Blanche. Mag, you are very hard on them. They 
have, as yet, molested us but very little. 

Mag. Just so; they have kept off about as long- 
as they can, and all through that Yankee sweetheart 
of yours. I am going to get Jack to capture him, and 
send him to Castle Thunder. I don't like a bone in his 
body. 

Blanche. Well, Mag, I would always have the blues 
if it were not for you ; but you are most too severe on 
Lieutenant Gibbon. 

Mag. [Rises to go.] Am, eh? Well you look out if 
you don't do just as that Gibbon wants you to. You 
will see what he is, as sure as my name is Maggie So- 
phia Susanna Short; see if you don't. I'll go and see 
if there is not some of them about now. May be I will 
see Jack. [Exit through n. m. D.] 

Mr. Bertram. Mag is a great girl. She is quite un- 
compromising in her hatred of the Yankees, and is as 
fearless as that rebel scout who loves her so well. 

Blanche. Yes, by her gay and lively mood I am often 
provoked to laugh when I really feel little inclined to 



12 THE RIVALS: OR, 



do so. I hear some one walking, and do believe it is 
Sergeant Shadburn. 

[Shad Knocks on left side — Blanche rites and goes 
to door. Shad enters from left. 

It is, indeed, he; Oh, Sergeant! I'm so glad to see 
3*011. Come in ; father and I were just speaking of yon. 

Shad. Well, Miss Blanche, I'm glad to know that 
you were thinking of me; for I assure you I was anx- 
ious to get here, and have had a hard inarch to do so. 
How are you to-day, Mr. Bertram? 

Mr. Bertram. Thank you, Sergeant; I am feeling 
better than usual, physically, but my mind is much 
perplexed at the thought of being placed so completely 
in the Federal lines. They are moving, sir. 

Shad. Ah! Moving, are they I? Well, sir, let them 
move; we are ready for them at every point, and I as- 
sure you, Mr. Bertram, that you will never be entirely 
cut off as long as Sergeant Shadburn lives and scouts 
for General " Jeb;" let the blue coats be ever so thick 
— I will come to you, sir, and bring tidings of your 
friends. Here is a letter for yon, now, sir. 

[Hands him letter.] 

Mr. Bertram. Thanks, my brave fellow; but you 
must be careful, and not uselessly risk your life. We 
could not afford to lose you at this time, as your place 
could not be easily filled. Be on your guard, Sergeant, 
they are near here. Blanche, I will retire; it will not 
be prudent for Sergeant Shadburn to remain long to- 
night. Good night, my boy; come when you can, but 
be very careful. Good night, Blanche. 

Both. Good night. 

Shad. Kemember me in your prayers. 

[Exit Mr. B. through left b. d.] 

Shad. [Moves to right of Blanche, both sitting.] My 
dear Blanche, I am so glad, once again, to behold you. 
Though I have heard from you, I have not seen you, 
in what seems tome an age. My mind has been filled 
with the most terrible forebodings since last night. 
Ah! I have pictured in my imagination, many queer 
and fantastic scenes ; probably made mountains of mole 
hills; but having been in a state of suspense all day, 
and though much fatigued by my long inarch, I have 



THE GREY VS. THE ilLUE. 13 

longed for the great king of day to hide his face, that 
in the shades of darkness I might venture to come to 
you. 

Blanche. Why, Sergeant, what can trouble you so 
much u ? You are not usually so despondent, but always 
hopeful, and ever looking forward to brighter and hap- 
pier days. 

Shad. True, Blanche, I am hardly myself in this 
gloomy state, But when I imagine I see a cloud aris- 
ing that might perchance darken the bright and hap- 
py days in fond anticipation, methinks it is enough to 
make one feel uncomfortable. 

Blanche. Sergeant, why do yon talk so! Do, for 
mercy's sake, stop speaking in riddles, and explain 
yourself. 

Shad. Ah! Blanche, do not be excited. Could you 
know how much I love you; how completely my destiny 
is linked with yours: how I have pictured, in my imagi- 
nation, the happy days when this cruel war shall have 
ended, when I have taken you to my beautiful South- 
ern home, hid away in orange groves, made happy and 
cheerful by the singing of the sweet birds of nature, 
and there surrounded with all that heart could wish, 
till to overflowing my cup of joy. Ah! could you fuily 
realize all my fond dreams, you would understand why 
I speak as I do. 

Blanche. Speak, Sergeant, I beseech you, and ex- 
plain. 

Shad. Blanche, charge me not, from what I am go- 
ing to say, Avith that green-eyed monster, jealousy. 
I would scorn such a charge, but I fear evil, and not 
without cause. Kemember, Blanche, the barrier be- 
tween you and me; remember that Lieutenent Gib- 
bon has you in his power, and true to his Yankee in- 
stinct, would not scruple to use that power, if it be- 
came necessary, to carry his point. Blanche, why do 
you receive him here, and treat him as you dot Speak, 
Blanche, and explain. 

Blanche. Sergeant, I am surprised at you, sir. — 
There can be no foundation for your conjectures of 
evil; and why this wild exordium on my conduct to- 
ward Lieutenant Gibbon? I have always found him 
a gentleman. 



14 THE RIVALS; OR, 



Shad. Better say a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

Blanche. Nay, you speak harshly of him. He has 
been kind to us; and besides, his parents are all in 
the South, and he has a brother in the Confederate 
army. 

Shad. So much the worse. He is literally a rene- 
gade and traitor. Why did he not come out on the 
side of his country, and do his duty like a man ? 

Blanche. He was at school at the North at the com- 
mencement of the war. 

Shad. So were many others, Blanche. Even Gen- 
eral Lee was offered a high position in the United 
States army, but most respectfully declined, and came 
to fight for his country. Why did he not do likewise? 
Because he had become imbued with Yankee princi- 
ples, and has a black spot in his heart, Blanche. I tell 
you, Blanche, to beware of the serpent, ere he gets you 
too completely in his coils. I can trust no one who 
wears a blue coat, and I warn you to watch him. He 
will yet come out and show his true colors. 

[Mag enters through r. b. d. — shakes hands icith Shad.] 

Mag. How are you, Sergeant. I am sorry to in- 
terrupt you and Miss Blanche; but I see that despisa- 
ble Lieutenant Gibbon, who thinks so much of Miss 
Blanche, with a sqad of men, coming through the lane 
gate. 

Blanche. Oh, goodness, Sergeant! I fear you will be 
captured. 

Shad. Not apt, by that poltroon and his minions. 
I hope to meet him yet, and pay him, with interest, 
for this unceremonious interruption. 

Mag. But, I tell you, Sergeant, you have no time to 
lose, without you wish to be killed or captured by 
your rival in the presence of your lady-love. I tell you 
to go j I hear them coming. 

Shad. [Starts.] Good-bye, Mag— Good-bye, Blanche : 
I will be around and keep an eye on the villain. 

Blanche. Good-bye, Sergeant, I think your fears are 
groundless. [Exit Shad throngh left b. d.] 

Mag. I tell you Blanche, there is no good going to 
come of that pesky Yankee, and I would stop his vis- 
its. I hate him. There he is now, coming in without 
announcing himself. But I forgot he wore a blue coat. 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 15 

[Enter Lt. Gibbon from, r. m. d.] 

Gibbon. [Bowing.] Miss Blanche; your most obedi- 
ent servant. I hope I am not intruding. 

Blanche. Not at all, Lieutenant. 

Mag. Yes you are, sir; and if you are so very obe- 
dient, make yourself and minions very scarce about 
this house, in short order. 

Blanche. Why, Mag, what do you mean? 

Mag. I mean to tell this pesky blue-coat, that I am 
in this house, and I can't breathe the same atmosphere 
he does. It is sickening. 

Blanche. Oh, Mag; do hush. 

Mag. I will as soon as I am done with this spoon- 
stealer. Look out for your thimble, Blanche; it is sil- 
ver, and will walk into his pocket if you don't hold it. 

Gibbon. Lady, you insult me. 

Mag. Do, hey ? I am taking lessons under you, sir; 
your very presence is insulting. Havn't you got a 
spoon in your pocket ? 

Gibbon. I would scorn the act. 

Mag. But not the spoon. May be you have our sil- 
ver candle-stick in your haversack. 

Gibbon. Lady — 

Mag. I wish I could return the compliment by say- 
ing gentleman. 

Blanche. Mag, you are indeed rude. 

Mag. Can't help it, Blanche; I am compelled to ex- 
plode when I see one of these house-burning, horse- 
stealing scamps. 

Blanche. Enough of this, Mag, you will please retire. 

Mag. I will. I long for fresh air. I believe if I 
were to stay here much longer, I would become mean 
enough to steal a spoon myself. 

Blanche. Go, Mag. 

Mag. Let me tell you, Mr. Lieutenant, that you are 
a disgrace to your family. I am sorry you were born 
on Southern soil. You are a renegade, a traitor to 
your native land. You are arrayed in arms against 
your kindred; you. have learned to steal, rob, insult 
and to burn houses, turning to the chill winds of win- 
ter, women and children, taking their last morsel of 
food. Ah, sir! there is a day of fearful retribution 
coming for you and all like you. Sir, I loathe and 



16 THE RIVALS; OR, 



scorn you as a sneaking serpent. [Tunis to Blanche.] 
I can go, Blanche. I can sleep, now. 

[Exit through n. b. d.] 

Gibbon. Miss Blanche, what does this mean ? Why 
is she so violent? 

Blanche. She Las been unfortunate, having lost two 
brothers in the Confederate army, and her lover is n 
rebel. She has cause to hate you, but is too violent. 
Be seated, Lieutenant. 

Gibbon. I am glad you think so, Miss Blanche. I 
just came by to-night, from our advance picket, to see 
you and tell you that General Grant is going to ad- 
vance, and is determined to bring the war to a speedy 
close. 

Blanche. In that, he may be mistaken, Lieutenant. 

Gibbon. He may be, but I hope not; and I hope, 
Miss Blanche, yon will think favorably of what I am 
going to say. Yon are certainly aware that I have 
long had an ardent attachment for yon; indeed, I have 
loved you devotedly, and have had some reason to 
think I was not distasteful to you, although I wore a 
blue coat. What do you say, Miss Blanche ? 

Blanche. 1 have had no cause to dislike you as yet, 
Lieutenant. 

Gibbon. And have yon no prior attachment for some 
rebel? I have heard such was the case. 

Blanche. That, sir, is an unfair question, and I am 
surprised at your asking it. 

Gibbon. I beg pardon, Miss Blanche, my feelings 
prompted the question. You know that my home is 
in the South, and I have accumulated some means, and 
if you will consent to share my destiny, I propose to 
take you to my home on the cessation of hostilities 
and devote my life to making you happy. 

Blanche. You may never live to see that time. 
Lieutenant. 

Gibbon. That is true ; but what do you say, Blanche '! 

Blanche. Oh, Lieutenant! This is so sudden and un- 
expected — I must have time to think and consult my 
father. 

Gibbon. You cau have time to do both, and I hope you 
will decide favorqfily, as it iv ill be best; and I propose 

[Enter Mr. B. from n. b. d., not seen by Blanche or Gibbon.] 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 



that in the event you do, we be married at once: your 
father is a minister and can officiate. 

Mr. Bertram. [Steps up.] No he can't, sir. How dare 
you, sir, to make such a proposition to my daughter 
without my knowledge"? She marry a Yankee"? No 
sir! Much less I marry her to one. You know her 
not, sir. 

Gibbon. But, Mr. Bertram— 

Mr Bertram. No but about it, sir J say never, sir 
1 would rather see her in her tomb than see her wed- 
ded to one so base. Leave, sir. 

Blanche. Oh! Father! do not be too rash. Let us 
retire. Lieutenant, I will think of you as a friend 

Gibbon. [Excited.] Friend, indeed! Think not 
blanche, to thwart me thus! I have been insulted I 
am Lieutenant John H. Gibbon, United States Army! 
Old man, you shall rue your language. I have power 
and I will use it. We shall meet again, sir. 
Mr. Bertram. Leave here, sir. 

Blanche. [Taking Mr. B. by arm.] Come father: 
please let us retire. [Exit both K, b. d.] 

Gibbon. [ Walking and soliloquising.] Well, this is a 
pretty pass, indeed. Who would have thought that 
old gent so fiery? Look here, Lieutenant Gibbon, you 
have been trumped and must have a new deal, or you 
are gone up, as far as Blanche is concerned. I must 
own up that I have been most egregiously fooled in 
my expectations. I thought 1 was gettting on swim- 
mingly, but I don't take at all with the old man.- 
Somebody is in my way, and I believe it is that rebel 
scout. He must be disposed of, and by Heavens, shall 
be I I will put Hines on his track— he will fix him 
Egad! [slaps his hands.] I have it. I will wreak my 
vengeance on the old man, and get Blanche in my 
power. I will go at once and report them to General 
Hooker, and get orders to arrest them. I can make a 
charge against them, and when once in my power I 
think she will come to terms to save her father.— 
Zounds! she ought to like me. I am handsome, and 
have a good position in the army. But then she is a 
true Southern woman, and I am a Yankee : at least in 
principle. That accounts for the dislike. 

[Mag. opens r. b. d.— steps partly in during last speech.] 



18 THE UIVALS; OR, 



Mag. And it is enough to cause dislike, you miser- 
able sneak! I am tired of your muttering, and advise 
you to leave here quickly. 

Gibbon. I will leave when I get ready. 

Mag. [Enters.] Well, I'll make you ready at once. 
There is the door; take it and never darken it again. 
Go, I mean what I say. 

Gibbon, I'll remember you, Miss. [Exit — R. M. D.] 

Mag. I think you will. [Exit — R. B. D.] 
Curtain falls. 



SCEXE IV. 

A small fire. Night Hawk sitting on a stick of wood. Sleepy 
Jack lying down with a blanket over him. 

Night Hawk, Wake up, Jack! Wake up! I say, 
Jack, wake up, and tell me about that sweetheart of 
yours. You say she is down at the Parson's! I say, 
Jack, [loud] here is Maggie. 

Sleepy Jack. [Jumps up quick and looks around, rub- 
bing his eyes.] Where? Where is Mag? You fooled 
me, Hawk. 

Night Hawk, I just wanted to wake you up to get 
you to tell me about her. 

Sleepy Jack, [Getting out his pipe.] Well, Hawk, I'll 
do it. But shell out that tobacco sack of yours, and 
let a fellow try that Yankee tobacco you captured 
yesterday. 

Night Hawk. [Handing the tobacco.] Touch it light, 
Jack ; that's Turkish — it had lots of pictures on the 
paper. That's a monstrous big pipe of yours. 

Sleepy Jack. This is my borroivin pipe, Hawk. [Tries 
to light] This fire is mighty hot. 

Night Hawk. Don't pocket my tobacco. I believe 
I'll join you; hand her over, and go ahead with that 
story. 

Sleepy Jack. [Gets a light — hands the tobacco over to Night 
Hawk, who fills his pipe, lights it, and goes to smoking.] Fill up 
and I'll proceed. 

Night Hawk. All right, go ahead about Maggie. 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 19 



Sleepy Jack. Well, Hawk, she is one of 'em; she's a 
trump card sure. You ought to have heard her give 
it to that Yankee, Gibbou, the other night at the Par- 
son's. I tell you she preached him a sermon without 
taking any particular text. 
Night Hawk. Is your canteen dry ? 
Sleepy Jack. No. 

Night Hawk. Well, pass her over; 1*11 have to take 
a little on the strength of your yarn. 

Sleepy Jack. [Hands canteen,] Now, drink, and hold 
your peace. He quailed under her wry look. 
Night Hatch. Who? 

Sleepy Jack, Why Gibbon, and had nothing to say, 
I tell you, Hawk, she is a beauty too; a regular first 
class beauty, with none of your powder and paint, and 
nothing false, but all rale genewine woman. 

Night Hawk, She's thro wed dust in your eyes, my 
boy. 

Sleepy Jack. None of your insinuations, Hawk. The 
first time I ever saw her she set my blood — 
Night Hawk, Who set your blood ? 
Sleepy Jack. Why, Mag, you goose. She set my 
blood to circulating worse nor a spell of camp fever. 
Night Hawk. Did have it, I expect. 
Sleepy Jack. No I never, though. It was a clear 
case of love at first sight. No second sight-— but first 
sight. I felt monstrous small when I ventured to tell 
her I loved her. How she made my heart go bim, bim, 
every time I saw her. But, Gorramighty! Hawk, 
when she told me she was in the same fix, and loved 
me, and would be mine for better or for worse, forever 
and ever and a little after— jewhillikins! man; I felt as 
big as a mountain and strong enough to clean up 
Grant's army before breakfast. 

Night Haick, Poor fellow ! you will feel weak enough 
about it yet. 

Sleepy Jack, Say, Hawk, did you ever love a girl! 
Night Hawk. You are mighty right, chile; but she 
is way down in Alabama. I may never see her 
again. 

Sleepy Jack, Well, thank goodness! mine haint, 
and when Shad comes I am going to slip down to the 
Parson's to see Mag. [Looks to the east.] Day is break- 



THE RIVALS; OR, 



ing now, aint it, Hawk? And I am powerful hungry. 
It'll soon be grub time. 

Night Hawk. Your head's level, Jack, about the 
grub ; and yonder is daylight. [Looks east] We'll 
have some coffee soon. 

Sleepy Jack. Don't it make a fellow feel ranktanker- 
ous to love a gal and have another fellow settin up to 
her? That's what's the matter with Shad. That 
Yankee Lieutenant, Gibbon, is taking on powerful 
about Miss Blanche. 

Night Haick. Yes, you are right. Shad is much ex- 
ercised about it too, and I fear not without cause. Not 
that Blanche cares anything for Gibbon — but that he 
may become infuriated when he finds it out, and use 
his power. You know he is mean enough to do it. 

Sleepy Jack. I'd like to see him undertake to make 
love to Mag. She would scald him to death, or break 
his head with a poker. I wonder if she will ever try a 
poker on my head ? 

Night Hawk. May be she will — to wake you up j you 
need it. But 

[Enter Hines — l. b. d. — with his hands in his pockets 
and a stick under his arm. He starts across as if 
passing, but stops when accosted, and fronts Jack 
and Hawk.] 
here comes old stove pipe. Who can he be? 

Sleepy Jack. Come out of that camp kettle. 1 know 
you're in there — I see your legs shaking. 

Night Hawk. Say ! Mister, can't I get lodging in the 
upper story ! 

Sleepy Jack. No butter at your house — I see you've 
got the churn on your head. 

Hines. You'ens is up early. Seeu any keows this 
way? 

Night Haivk. 'Tis a churn, and he wants to milk. 

Sleepy Jack. Old chap, have you got any taters and 
perturnips in your patch ? 

Hines. Haint crappin any this year. 

Night Hawk. Well, Mr. Bee Gum, what might be 
your occupation ? You migrate early and travel by- 
paths. Do you live in these parts ? 

Hines. Well, yes ; I live a bit across there. I'se got 
no perticiler business this year; keep a few keows 
and patch shoes sometimes. 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 



21 



Sleepy Jack, Couldn't you let us make a little coffee 
m your camp ketttle? 
Him*. Young .man, you'se pokin fun at me, neow. 
Night Hatch Do you know Parson Bertram u ? 
Hines. Oh, yes, down by the little mill. 
Sleepy Jack. Do you know Mag, old boy? 
Hines. What, the one that haint been there lone? 
Sleepy Jack. Yes, the one with the short name. 
Hines. Oh, yes; guess I know her. 
Night Hawk. Couldn't you give a fellow a chaw of 
good tobacco? This Yankee tobacco aint good. 
Hines. The best I got. 

[Goes to get out the tobacco on the side next to Night 
Hawk, and exposes a blue coat, and also a pistol 
when Night Hawk springs up and presents his pis- 
tol to his head and seizes him by the collar.] 
Night Hawk. Look out Jack, this is him surren- 
der, you scoundrel, or I'll blow your brains out. 

[Hines makes an effort to draw a pistol.] 
Move agaiu, and you are a dead man. 
Hines. By what authority? 

[Jack reaches out and grabs his legs and trips him up 

and he falls on his back— Night Hawk at his head 

Jack at his feet; he scuffles, but is held.] 

Sleepy Jack. I golly, we'll show you what authority. 

Whoopee, Hawk! but aint this bully? Let's shuck 

him, Hawk. 

Night Hawk. Good, pull off his breeches, while I 
hold his his head. 

Sleepy Jack. Here goes. 

[Unbuttons and pulls down his old pants, leaving blue ones.] 
Full Yank ! Well, aint this heavy ? I say, Hawk, you 
you are entitled to a bar on your collar for this. I'll 
hold him now, while you get off that ancient overcoat. 
Night Hawk. Look out for the stove-pipe; that's a 
relic. 

[Hawk pulls off his coat, leaving him in full Yankee attire.] 
Here, jack, lay these two pistols back there, while I 
put a pair of bracelets on the gent, and pull of his 
false whiskers. 

[Pulls off the whiskers and handcuffs him.] 
Sleepy Jack. Pretty well disguised, old fellow; but 
w r e will now see who you are. Hawk, search him. 



THE RIVALS; OK, 



[Night Hawk searches his pockets— finds mops and 
papers, which he reads.] 

Night Hatck. Bully boys, bo! He is tbe very chap 
I wanted. Mr. Hines, I am very glad to meet you ; 
glad you come so early, too. By Heavens! here is a 
note to him from that Yankee villain, Gibbon. 

Sleepy Jack. Jerusalem, Hawk! but aint this a haul? 
We will both be promoted for this: you to a lieuten- 
ancy, and I to high private in the rear rank. Bead that 
note from Gibbon. 

Night Hawk. No, tie his feet 

[Jack ties his feet and pulls him to one side, and they 
sit down to look at the papers^ 

and let's pull him here to one side and wait till Shad 
comes. I think we will have to form a drum-head 
court martial to try this spy. He is already con- 
demned. Say, old fellow, can't you patch my shoes? 

Sleepy Jack. Earthquakes and Jersey lightning! 
Hawk ; he is the same spy, Sam Hines, who insulted 
Mag not long since — and she went for him. [Turns 
to Hines.] I reckon you do remember Mag. I have a 
notion to take your ears off for her, you sneaking dog. 

Night Haivk. [Examines papers.] Here are maps of 
General Lee's position; as they are of no use, for fear 
of accident, we will burn them; only keeping Gibbon's 
note. [Burns the papers.] 

Sleepy Jaclc. We will fix him when Shad comes. 

Night Hawk. And here comes Shad, now; and from 
the way he walks something's wrong, I expect that 
Lieutenant has been up to some devilment. 

[Both look to left, where Shad enters ■rapidly.'] 

Sleepy Jack. But don't he walk though f The devil 



broke loose in Georgia again ! 

Shad. [Entering.] Ah, Jack! awake, are you ? Well, 
boys, we must be off. Just as I expected, that scoun- 
drel, Gibbon, is on his way to wreak his revenge for 
Blanche's rejection, by plundering her father's house 
and arresting herself and father on a false charge. — 
Hello! who is this you have here? 

Night Hawk. He is Sam Hines, the noted spy that 
General Stuart told you of. He came here just awhile 
ago, disguised as an old man, and while talking to him 
I discovered he was armed, and nabbed him. I burnt 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 23 






his maps; but here is a note from Gibbon to him in 
which yon may be interested. 

Shad. This is certainly both fortunate and unfortu- 
nate, [Reads Gibbon 1 * note.] Gibbon tells him to keep a 
look out for me and put me out of the way. Kind 
aint he! I am in his way he says. Well Gib- 
bon ; look out I'll see you yet! 

Sleepy Jack. Shad,' I say let's hang this villain to 
the nearest limb. What do you say, Hawk? 

Night Hawk. I vote yes "everytime, and I have a 
rope here already to fix him. 

[Pulls a rope from his haversack.] 

Shad. Well, boys, we have no time to lose. I fully 
agree with you. Under the circumstances, we can only 
obey General Stuart's orders— not to let him escape.— 
We must choose between two evils; to stay and guard 
him and let Gibbon go, or hang him and go after Gib- 
bon. Put on the noose, Hawk; We must defend 
Blanche. 

Night Hawk. Get up, villain, and prepare to meet 
your God. 

[Puts noose around his neck and unties his feet] 

Sleepy Jack. Hurry up, Hawk ! If Gibbon has Mag 
in his clutches, I'll die or rescue her. Yonder is a good 
limb. [Points to left] 

Night Hawk. Forward, spy! Zounds! but we'll 
skin 'em if we catch 'em. 

Shad. Forward! boys! We will give no quarter to 
Gibbon or any of his tools. 

Sleepy Jack. You heard me 'Liza Jane. We'll com- 
mence on this one, 

[Exit all to left; Night Hawk leading Hines by 
rope. Jack and Shad behind through l. b. d.] 
Curtain falls. 



SCENE V. 

A room. Mr. Bertram and Blanche seated when curtain rises. 

Enter Mag from r., hurriedly, and all rise. 

Mag. Oh, Guardy! Oh, Blanche! What did I tell 
you? That villain, Gibbon, with a squad of men, have 
turned out all of the stock and started them off, and he 



24 THE RIVALS; OK, 



and part of the gang are coming to the house, and I 
verily believe he is going to arrest yon both. Oh! I 
told you he was a villain, Blanche. 

Blanche. Oh, father! what shall we do"? I hear them 
coming. [Walking on outside.] And he was so angry 
when he left here last. But HI die before I'll ask a fa- 
vor of him ; an infamous knave. 

Mr. Bertram. Spoken like my own true daughter; 
but be calm, darling. Mag, give me my cane — I'll go 
and meet him and try and spare you his hateful pres- 
ence. 

Both. Oh, no! don't take your cane. You are so 
rash you might be provoked to use it, and it would be 
serious. 

Mr. Bertram. [Excitedly.'] But I Avill have my cane. 
HI teach that puppy that 1 am a gentleman, and will 
punish this unwarrantable intrusion. If he has no re- 
spect for my profession it will 

[l/e starts for the cane — both girU holding him'.] 

be some satisfaction to give him a good sound whack 
on the head. Hands off girls ! I hear them coming in. 
I must — I will whack 

[Struggle* to the cane — when he gets it, starts out to 
the right.] 

him. Do you both stay here. 

[Exit — Mr. Bertram to the right, leaving Blanche 
and Mag walking on the stage in great distress. Mr. 
B. meets Gibbon near the door where they talk aft 
follows ;] 

What means this unwarranted intrusion, sir? Win- 
are you entering my house with this gang of plunder- 
ers % Is it not enough for you to rob me of all my stock f 

Gibbon. Not quite, old gent ; I told you we should 
meet again. 

Mr. Bertram. Back, sir ! that is our private room. 

Gibbon. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Private, eh ! We will make 
it public for a little while, at least. Stand aside, old 
man ; or come along with us. 

Mr. Bertram. Back, sir! and take that, you thief! 

[Strikes him on the head. Cries of "shoot him, shoot 
him", by soldiers on outside. Mag and Blanche 
scream and rush to right door.1 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 25 



Gibbon. Hold, men! Old man, strike me again, 
and you are a dead man. Forward, men ! Corporal, 
guard the old man there to himself. 

Blanche. Oh ! father, please come in. 

[Enter Mr. B., backwards with stick in Ms hand, follow- 
ed by Gibbon and four men. One of the men presses 
Mr. B. to back of stage, and guards him with gun 
until they leave. Gibbon bows to ladies and draws a 
paper from his pocket. ,] 

Gibbon. Ah! Miss Blanche, I have come again;— 
but not on such pleasant duty as before. 

Mag. Doubtless more pleasant ; from appearances 
you are at your old trade, sir. 

Gibbon. [Speaking to his men.] Help yourselves, 
boys ; all is contraband. And you, Miss, hold your 
tongue, and remember who vou are speaking to. 

Mag. I'll do it. 

[A Yankee opens a trunk and they commence a general pillage.] 

Keep out of that trunk, you rogue. I'll remember you, 
Lieutenant, for just what you are— a vile, miserable, 
sneak. 

Gibbon. [Stamps his foot,] Silence ! here are the 
orders under which I make this intrusion. 
[Heads the paper in his hand.] 

Headquarters 3d Army Corps. 
It having been reported to these Headquarters that the Rev. 
Robert Bertram and his daughter Blanche, residing near How- 
ard's Church, were in communication with the enemy, to the det- 
riment of our cause, your are hei-eh}' ordered to proceed thence, 
with a detail sufficient, and arrest the parties and report to these 
Headquarters. You may also confiscate their property if you see 
proper. By order of Maj. Gen. Joe Hooker. 

Comd'g 3d Army Corps. 

JNO. STEIN, A. A. G. 
To Lieut. Jno. H. Gibbon, Comd'g Picket. 

As a soldier, I must obey orders. 

Blanche. Which, in this instance, you do most wil- 
lingly. Ah! Lieutenant; 1 would never have believed 
you capable of anything so low and cowardly. You 
think to have your revenge do you ? Y'es, I can go to 
prison — yes, and. die before I would implore your aid, 
or ask your protection. Beware ! — beware ! that you 
are not yet overtaken. 



26 THE RIVALS; OR, 



Mr. Bertram. I am not surprised sir, at this. I be- 
lieve you capable of anything mean, and I see you 
have a sufficient detail to arrest and plunder too. 

Gibbon. Well, old gent, if you are not surprised, I 
guess you must be ready, so fall in there in front, with 
Blanche. Come, boys ! if you are through, let's be go- 
ing; there may be some of those rebel guerillas 
around, and we might have trouble. Take all you 
want, but forward ! And you, young lady, we will 
leave in charge of the house. Eat and grow fat, Miss, 
on what is left. [They start.] 

Mag. Hush up your insolence, sir; and look out that 
you don't come to grief. Good-by, Guardy; good-by 
Blanche ; may Heaven help you in your struggle. 

[Exit all but Mag, to right] 
Oh, my ! I always kne wit. I told Blanche he was a 
villain. Here's the house turned topsy-turvy ; every 
spoon gone ; candlesticks, rings, watches, and every- 
thing of any value. Stock all driven off; chickens 
and ducks all killed. 

[Picks up an old hat and a chicken runs out, which 
had been brought in and placed there by one of the 
Yankees.'] 

Well, he put you in there and forgot you. If I had a 
nigger I would catch you and send you on with the 
others ; but I reckon they would keep the nigger, they 
love them so well. Oh, goodness ! where can Jack and 
Sergeant Shadburn be ? I know they would try and 
rescue Blanche and Guardy. 

[Mag at right side. Shad rushes in from left,/oZ- 
loiced by Night Hawk and Jack. Shad raise* his 
hands as he looks around. Mag turns to him.] 

Shad. Oh, Heavens ! we are too late. They have 
been, and done their devilish work and have carried 
them off. Tell me, Mag, tell me ! let me know the 
worst. 

Mag. Yes, they have done all they could do, and 
have just left, taking the old Falmouth road. There 
were nine of them with that villain, Gibbon. He was 
mad because Blanche wouldn't marry him, and arrest- 
ed her and Guardy on a charge of giving information 
to the rebels. [Goes tip to Jack.] Look here Jack ; if 
you don't follow them, and try and rescue Blanche and 



THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 27 



Guard y, I will never marry you as long- as my name is 
Maggie Sophia Susanna Short, [Points to "the right] 
bee! they are still in sight, and are stopping. 

Sleepy Jack: I'll do it, Mag, you bet. Come ahead, 
Hawk. 

Night Hawk. Here's your mule. 

Shad. Come show us out Mag. We have no time 
to lose. Forward, boys ! 

[Exit all through right 3d door. Curtain falls and 
rises again as soon as stage is cleared.] 
[Gibbon and Orderly, with Blanche and Mr. Bertram en- 
ter from first right door— Gibbon behind with pistol in one 
hand and sword in the other, urging Blanche and Father 
forward and watching behind. As they pass across to the left 
»f the stage shots are fired on right of stage (outside), and 
Shad cries (outside) "forward boys," as Yankees pass off 
stage to left, Shad enters at right at same door in which 
Gibbon entered, followed by Jack and Night Hawk.] 
Shad, [As he enters.] Forward, boys ! we are gain- 
ing on them. Remember, no quarter ! 

[ 7 hey cross quickly, pass off stage and overtake Yankees. When 
a scuffle ensues, shots dc, in which Night Hawk and all 
the Yankees except Gibbon are slain. Gibbon escapes and en 
tersfrom RionT again, closely followed by Shad, who presses 
Mm to middle of stage. They pause for a moment and look 
fit each other.] 

Gibbon. Ah ! we have met, have we ? Hines ! Hines ! 

Shad. Yes, villain; and for the last time. I claim 
you as my own. You would have robbed me of all that 
I hold dear on earth. Die ! 

[They fight with swords. Gibbon fidls, turns on his 
back with a groan.] 

Curtain falls. 



SCENE VI. 

A room at Mr. Bertram's, with table and light. Enter Blanche 
and SnAvfrom r. b. d. 
Blanche. Oh, Sergeant ! I owe you more than life. 
God alone knows what would have become of my father 
and me but for the timely arrival of yourself and gal- 
lant comrades to our rescue. It was a trying moment : 
but, thank heaven, it is all over now. Gibbon and his 
minions have met their just fate, and I am yours — all 
yours. 



28 THE GREY VS. THE BLUE. 

[Advances to Shad, extends both haiuU: he takes them.] 

Shad. God bless yon, mj 7 own clear Blanche, and 1 
pray that I may long* be spared to protect and shield 
yon from all harm. You will be mine — all mine. 

[Enter Sleepy Jack and Mag from r. b. d.] 

Sleepy Jack. Poor Night Hawk; he went up. He 
was a brave boy. But we paid 'em well. All nine of 
the Yanks bit the dust. We had quite a lively scrim- 
mage. Shad there, fought like a mad man. He went 
for that Lieutenant like greased lightning, and sent 
him to the " happy land of Canaan,"- -'cause" Maggie's 
by my side." 

Mag. Oh, Jack ! I am so glad you are safe. I wish 
you had killed a few more of the whelps ; but as you 
got all there was, I won't complain. I always knew that 
you were a brave soldier; and now that you have res- 
cued and brought back Blanche and Guardy, I'll mar- 
ry you, as sure as my name is Maggie Sophia Susanna 
Short, I will. 

[Advances to Jack and offers her hand.] 

Sleepy Jack. [Seizing her hand. ,] Mag, I always knowed 
you was a trump card. 

[Enter Mr. Bertram from middle door and speaks, 
first to Jack and then to Shad as follows:] 

Mr. Bertram. You can take, her my brave lad. As 
her guardian, I commit her to you believing you to be 
every way worthy of her. 

Sleepy Jack. Do you hear him, Mag I 

[All move to front. Mag on left, Jack to right; then 
Blanche with Shad to her right holding each other 
by left and right hands. Mr. Bertram fr> the right 
and a little to the front.] 

Mr. Bertram. And to you, my brave Sergeant, I 
owe all that a father holds clear in life. You have 
proved yourself a hero, indeed, and worth the love of 
any woman. To your keeping I can safely commit the 
happiness of my child — knowing that you will ever love, 
honor and protect her. And let me now assure you 
and my friends here, [Looks to audience.] that wherev- 
er a Southern Woman is interested, the Grey will 
always triumph over the Blue. 
Curtain falls. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 102 724 8 # 



